Cultural Celebrations: Ebonyi Community Uses Yam Festival to Preach Harmony and Unity

In a powerful blend of cultural celebration and a call for peace, the Edda clan in the Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has used its annual New Yam Festival to address the lingering communal crisis affecting the area. The festival, known locally as “Ike Ji Edda,” became a platform for leaders and stakeholders to passionately preach for harmony and unity among residents.

The event, which was attended by community members, traditional rulers, and political leaders, was particularly significant given the recent tension and a beheading incident in the clan that was widely condemned. A major focus of the message was the long-standing communal crisis between the Edda and neighboring Amasiri communities.

Speaking at the occasion, former Senator who represented Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone, Chief Sonni Ogboji, urged the people to embrace peace at all times, emphasizing the clan’s peaceful and gallant heritage. “We are appealing to the state government to step in and ensure this kind of ugly incident does not happen again,” he said, lamenting the bloodshed and urging for more security personnel to be deployed to the area.

The Chairman of the Edda Local Government, Chima Ekumankama, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of the New Yam Festival in promoting unity. He stated that beyond its rich cultural performances, such as the traditional maidens’ dance (Eyighiya), the festival’s true purpose is to usher in a new era of cooperation and development.

The message of peace aligns with the broader vision of the Ebonyi State government under Governor Francis Nwifuru, which has made the restoration of peace in crisis-torn areas a top priority. The governor has reiterated his commitment to dialogue and sustainable resolutions, aiming to ensure that such traditional celebrations are held in an atmosphere of joy and not overshadowed by sorrow.

As the community celebrated the bountiful harvest, the underlying theme was a clear plea for an end to the violence that has plagued the area. The leaders expressed hope that the spirit of unity and thanksgiving, which the New Yam Festival embodies, will pave the way for lasting peace and prosperity for the Edda clan and its neighbors.